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Empowerment For Female Leadership In Africa.Sat, 14 Sep 2019 08:00:03 +0000en-UShourly1https://i0.wp.com/leadingladiesafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/cropped-favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1Leading Ladies Africahttps://leadingladiesafrica.org
3232143776256#LLAInterview: ”I thrive off communities of women supporting each other in beautiful and authentic ways” Moiyattu Banya-Keister, Sierra Leonean Activist and Social Entrepreneurhttps://leadingladiesafrica.org/i-thrive-off-communities-of-women-supporting-each-other-in-beautiful-and-authentic-ways-moiyattu-banya-keister-founder-women-change-africa-and-girls-empowerment-summit-sierra-leon/
https://leadingladiesafrica.org/i-thrive-off-communities-of-women-supporting-each-other-in-beautiful-and-authentic-ways-moiyattu-banya-keister-founder-women-change-africa-and-girls-empowerment-summit-sierra-leon/#respondSat, 14 Sep 2019 08:00:03 +0000http://leadingladiesafrica.org/?p=14739Sierra Leonean activist and social entrepreneur, Moiyattu Banya-Keister is keen about impacting African women and girls. She does this actively through a number of initiatives, notably- Women Change Africa, a social enterprise that curates the stories of African women and Girls Empowerment Summit Sierra Leone, a social impact feminist based organization that supports girls in becoming […]

Sierra Leonean activist and social entrepreneur, Moiyattu Banya-Keister is keen about impacting African women and girls. She does this actively through a number of initiatives, notably- Women Change Africa, a social enterprise that curates the stories of African women and Girls Empowerment Summit Sierra Leone, a social impact feminist based organization that supports girls in becoming leaders and change agents in their societies.

Taking the Leading Lady spotlight, she lets us in on her ”feminist manifesto”, the importance of including men in feminist conversations and the role sisterhood has played on her journey. Be inspired!

The conversation on social, political and economic equality of the sexes is at an all-time high, especially in Africa. In your own opinion, do you think the impact of this conversation is felt in Africa? How so? More so, what do you think can be done to move the conversation forward?

I think a lot of strides have been made on the African continent mainly because of the historical contributions of women’s rights activists and feminists over time. I think the shift we are seeing now isn’t new, it is more pronounced because of the digital space. There are many wins we must say- women are pushing in leadership roles across the continent, various laws to protect women have been implemented both at the international and regional levels. African women are now taking ownership of their economic independence by going into entrepreneurship yet there is so much more to be done.

Just a week ago, a young woman lost her life in South Africa due to a rape perpetrated by a man in the community who is well known for raping women. No one protected that woman and she lost her life. Xenophobic attacks are still prevalent in certain areas of Africa, poor access to quality education still puts girls at a disadvantage. In Sierra Leone, pregnant girls are banned from attending school.

We need collective action on all levels and for larger machines such as government to pay attention to the innovative solutions that rest in the hands of women and girls and serve as allies to fuel those innovations on a larger scale.

What does female empowerment mean to you?

I don’t necessarily go with the term ”female empowerment” as I think the space of female empowerment is very much so cluttered now and it has become difficult to see who is truly doing this because they care about the work and who is doing it solely because of the dollars. I ascribe to feminist thinking which basically advocates for equality of resources, power and spaces for both women and men.

What are your thoughts on including men in conversations that pertains to female empowerment?

I think there is a space for men as allies in feminist spaces but I think we haven’t been intentional about what this looks like. I have noticed in the recent 5 years, more men are “championing” feminism mostly because of movements such as the He for She movement.I think it’s fine for men to serve as allies if they truly can own the privilege they possess and actively feel fine to give up their power. Instead, what we are progressively seeing are men posing to be feminist or champions of “female empowerment” and taking up spaces and resources that are meant for those who are disadvantaged by patriarchy- women and girls.

I also think there is a space for men in empowerment for boys. Feminism is also about helping boys and men think about their masculinities and identities of what it means to be a man or a boy and how to tear down some of the very labels society places upon them that end up serving as some of the reason women become disadvantaged.

I think that is a space that is heavily neglected and having men who have lived experiences and also employ a feminist lens can have significant impact on young boys.

Focusing on your corporate experience briefly, it would seem that you knew early on that you wanted to work in the social development sector and tailored your educational preferences to reflect this. Why social development? Also, why the specific focus on women and girls?

I recently completed an interview for a potential opportunity. I remember at the end of the interview, the interviewer told me she was shocked that at a very young age, I had been dreaming about what I wanted to do and went ahead and did just that. She went on to say most women don’t have this opportunity. I never realized my experience was a rarity. Maybe because I am surrounded by women who dared to dream at very young ages. That push and encouragement from the women around me is what enabled me to know at a young age I wanted to make a difference.

My family, environment allowed me to be inquisitive, explore, build relationships with people who didn’t necessarily look like me. My experience being in the civil war in my country of birth Sierra Leone, I think had a significant impact on why I work with women and girls. I lived in a pretty stable environment until the war happened in Sierra Leone over 15 years ago. My yearning to ensure stable and peaceful societies for women and girls is what drew me to my work which I have done for over a decade.

Having spent a significant amount of time in this sector, can you share some of the challenges you have personally experienced?

Having a vision and being consistent with the vision in itself is a challenge because everyday you must wake up and ensure that vision is on target. You must also learn how to tune out distractions and so many come along the way.

A lot of times, I get tired, frustrated, and jaded by the number of people who have now all of a sudden become “women’s empowerment enthusiasts”. People who truly have questionable intentions in the space and the damage they may be doing with this work. These types of things can be very challenging particularly as you look for resources to create a sustainable organization.

Another challenge is that there are still many people who believe that women and girls do not deserve equal rights. In Sierra Leone for instance, you will find these beliefs with both women and men. It is a challenge because just when you think you are 10 steps ahead in your work, you feel taken ten steps back by one statement or action someone makes.

And the highlights?

To know I contributed to the work so far that has impacted lives of women and girls has been my greatest highlight.

Another highlight are the amazing women I have built strong feminist sisterhoods with by virtue of doing this work. I truly couldn’t do this work without the women who God has blessed me to work with who are now like sisters to me.

Another highlight is having a family that supports me and understand my vision and work. I have a very supportive partner, and my mother is also a strong support to my work. Without a strong family foundation, it is impossible to do this work which I call heartwork because it is priceless. No amount of money can substitute for it’s impact.

If you get the chance to be the President of an African country for one year, which country will it be and what changes will you effect?

Haha! honestly this is the best question of this interview. Can I create my own African country? Lol! in all honesty, I’d love the opportunity to create a “womantopia” (maybe I can coin this term if you may haha) of sorts where women are strong positive forces in leadership, equality between women and men are realized, laws exist and work that protect the lives of women and girls. I guess I’d like Sierra Leone to be that womantopia, but at the moment it isn’t. If anything, it is quite the opposite.

Can you walk us through what you do at Girls Empowerment Summit Sierra Leone and Women Change Africa briefly?

Girls Empowerment Summit Sierra Leone (GESL) is a social impact feminist based organization that supports girls in becoming leaders and change agents in their societies. We support girls to enhance their leadership skills, build positive peer relationships and help develop them in the areas of self development, health, technology, community activism, sisterhood and mentorship. We work year round with girls who enter into our program at JSS1 usually about the age of 11-12 and leave our program at SS3 which is about 17/18. We believe in investing in young girls so we do this in a holistic manner and take the time to support each girl and their family to become ready for the next stage of their lives.

Women Change Africa (WCA) is a social enterprise which focuses on celebrating, connecting andcultivating female entrepreneurs, trail blazing leaders and culture shifters both in the diaspora and on the African continent. We digitalize stories of African women as well as provide workshops to help their businesses develop, whilst connecting them to investor based programs to help strengthen and grow their businesses. Since its inception in 2012, WCA has partnered with organizations and brands such as Afroelle Magazine, African Women’s Development Fund USA (AWDF-USA), MUI PR, Moremi Initiative, Africans Gone Natural (AGN) and Applause Africa among others.

Can you share some milestones GESL and Women Change Africa has recorded so far?

To date, GESL has impacted 400+ girls through the consistent rendering of our programs. We have empowered the leadership skills of 400+ girls so far.

We have enabled girls to remain in school due to the mentorship aspect of our programs. Over 90% of our girls in our program reported that our programs help them stay focused and in school.

To date, WCA has reached and impacted the lives of over 300+ women entrepreneurs through our workshops and events and over 7,000 women entrepreneurs in the digital space. WCA serves African women in the diaspora, mostly social entrepreneurs and thought leaders through event and digital partnerships to amplify their stories. In addition to the diaspora, WCA also hosts events in the form of masterclasses to build the capacity of women entrepreneurs.

Digressing a bit, how have you been able to stay focused and consistent on your path in a world that is constantly churning out ideas on how women should be and what they should aspire to?

God has been my reason for being and for my purpose. I am a follower of Jesus Christ and I am unapologetic about what being a woman of faith has done for my life. It has kept me focused in my path and not to compare what I am doing to anyone. This is what has pushed me to constantly keep going. What has kept me grounded is my faith and prayer.

What does sisterhood mean to you? Has it being instrumental to your growth? How so?

Everything! I thrive off communities of women supporting each other in beautiful and authentic ways. My strongest relationships are with women and women have been at the center of everything that I do. Sisterhood has been pivotal to my growth. From the mentors I have to the women I work with, to the little sisters I have in GESL; we all find ways to support and build each other. There is never a time I need something and feel as if I can’t call on someone and for that alone, I feel blessed. That’s sisterhood. Having women who stand in the light when you are in the shadows to direct you back to your light. Having women who get you without having to say much. Having women who have a passion of changing communities and serve effortlessly with no hidden agendas. That’s love and that’s sisterhood for me.

What counts as fun for Moiyattu Banya?

Honestly? I love my solitude and indulging in a really good book. I just finished Stay with Me by Ayobami Adedeji and I enjoyed sitting in the book store for three days and gobbling it up. I also enjoy traveling to cities with history and indulging in the architecture of the city, as well as the natural habitat. I love a good beach day.

Tell us 3 things people do not know about you?

I enjoy eating spicy mango popsicles at odd hours of the night.

I fall asleep watching movies at night.

I love to go hiking in very enstranged mountainous places.

What do you want to be remembered for?

Fulfilling the call that God has me here for: Unlocking destinies of women and girls and helping them in fulfilling their life’s purpose.

How would you advise women who are trying to find themselves and hone their voices?

Find out what brings you joy, follow that, stick to it, serve God and be of service to people.

About Moiyattu Banya-Keister

Moiyattu is a Gender Development and Communications Professional with over a decade of experience in developing strong communities and organizations for African women and girls in Africa and the Diaspora. In her current role at the African Women’s Development Fund USA, she serves as executive board member of Strategy and Governance and also is the Communications Chair. She is also Co-Founder of Girls Empowerment Sierra Leone, a feminist social impact organization developing girls as leaders and change agents in Sierra Leone. She is passionate about developing sustainable communities, channeling resources, and developing tools for women and girls globally. Moiyattu has a Masters in Social Enterprise Administration from the Columbia University School of Social Work with a Law Minor , and has been recognized on various media platforms including Okay Africa Magazine’s Okay Africa 100 Woman Award 2018 as an Okay Africa Okay 100 Woman Honoree. For more on her work visit www.moiyattubanya.com

The Leading Ladies Africa Series is a weekly interview series that focuses on women of African descent, showcases their experiences across all socio-economic sectors, highlights their personal and professional achievements and offers useful advice on how to make life more satisfying for women.

It is an off-shoot of Leading Ladies Africa; an initiative that seeks to effectively mentor and inspire women, with particular emphasis on the African continent.

Do you know any woman of African descent doing phenomenal things? Send an email to lead@leadingladiesafrica.org and we just might feature her.

]]>https://leadingladiesafrica.org/i-thrive-off-communities-of-women-supporting-each-other-in-beautiful-and-authentic-ways-moiyattu-banya-keister-founder-women-change-africa-and-girls-empowerment-summit-sierra-leon/feed/014739We Stan a Leading Lady! 39-year-old Uzoma Asagwara Gets a Legislative Seat in Manitoba, Canadahttps://leadingladiesafrica.org/we-stan-a-leading-lady-39-year-old-uzoma-asagwara-gets-a-legislative-seat-in-manitoba-canada/
https://leadingladiesafrica.org/we-stan-a-leading-lady-39-year-old-uzoma-asagwara-gets-a-legislative-seat-in-manitoba-canada/#respondFri, 13 Sep 2019 10:45:15 +0000http://leadingladiesafrica.org/?p=14788In over 150 years, no black woman had ever made it to the legislative seat in Manitoba, but Uzoma Asagwara, who contested under the New Democratic Party, has been elected as a member of the Manitoba Legislature Asagwara was one of three black people in the 150-year history of the Manitoba legislative house. She has […]

In over 150 years, no black woman had ever made it to the legislative seat in Manitoba, but Uzoma Asagwara, who contested under the New Democratic Party, has been elected as a member of the Manitoba Legislature

Asagwara was one of three black people in the 150-year history of the Manitoba legislative house. She has been working within her community as a psychiatric nurse and for long has been a community activist in Winnipeg. Uzoma said she is grateful to everyone, who has supported them long before the election.

Speaking with CTV News, Uzoma described her election as “a historic moment for our team and our communities.”

She also said that being one of the first black MLAs elected in Manitoba was “wonderful…incredible,” and a “sign that folks are really making sure that our elected officials reflect the communities they serve.”

Fun Facts about Uzoma Asagwara:

She was born in Canada but both parents are Nigerians.

She is not only a politician and activist, but she is also an athlete.

Uzoma Asagwara is queer.

Uzoma is an addictions specialist and former member of Canada’s national women’s baseball team

]]>https://leadingladiesafrica.org/we-stan-a-leading-lady-39-year-old-uzoma-asagwara-gets-a-legislative-seat-in-manitoba-canada/feed/014788Union Bank Empowers 40 Female Entrepreneurs through Enterprise & Leadership Programhttps://leadingladiesafrica.org/union-bank-empowers-40-female-entrepreneurs-through-enterprise-leadership-program/
https://leadingladiesafrica.org/union-bank-empowers-40-female-entrepreneurs-through-enterprise-leadership-program/#respondFri, 13 Sep 2019 07:00:58 +0000http://leadingladiesafrica.org/?p=14765Union Bank, in conjunction with Leading Ladies Africa, today officially unveiled 40 female entrepreneurs who will be participating in the keenly sought after Enterprise and Leadership Program (ELP). The initiative, being put together by women-focused non-profit organisation, Leading Ladies Africa, is a two-month, practical, hands-on program that is focused on enabling women entrepreneurs in Nigeria […]

Union Bank, in conjunction with Leading Ladies Africa, today officially unveiled 40 female entrepreneurs who will be participating in the keenly sought after Enterprise and Leadership Program (ELP).

The initiative, being put together by women-focused non-profit organisation, Leading Ladies Africa, is a two-month, practical, hands-on program that is focused on enabling women entrepreneurs in Nigeria to identify business opportunities, create and sustain viable enterprises, and scale up their businesses.

Speaking at the official media parley to unveil the participants, Lola Cardoso; Chief Digital and Innovation Officer; Union Bank said: “We identified this initiative as one that will help amplify our efforts to support women and drive gender balance in Nigeria. Union Bank is proud to support these female entrepreneurs and enable their success. We are excited about the impact the program will have on the women and their businesses, and the ripple effects on the society at large.

“We are pleased that Union Bank, through its αlpher Initiative is fully supporting Leading Ladies Africa’s Enterprise and Leadership Program said Francesca Uriri; Founder Leading Ladies Africa. “We’re running this program because we understand that there is a very clear need for most micro, small and medium sized businesses to develop structure and systems that enable them scale, generate profit and become sustainable.”

Continuing further she said: “We received over 1,700 entries for this program from female entrepreneurs in Nigeria, and even from other African countries, further reiterating the need and value in supporting enterprise. The Program will be run in conjunction with the China Europe Business School (CEIBS), because we understand how important it is for the ladies to benefit from a global academic and business faculty.”

Union Bank continues to support initiatives that foster women empowerment and gender balance. Through αlpher, the Bank’s newly introduced women’s proposition, it is focused on enabling success for women of all ages and backgrounds, providing them with the support they require to live more empowered and fulfilled lives.

Leading Ladies Africa is a women-focused non-profit with the vision of achieving 25% of female representation in the fields of Leadership, Business, Politics and Advocacy.

Leading Ladies Africa’s key objectives are to promote inclusivity and diversity, and also to develop programs that will equip women with skills, provide hands on capacity training and inspire them to achieve their set objectives in their lives, businesses and careers. A key aim of Leading Ladies Africa is to meet the UN’s fifth Sustainable Development Goal of empowering women and promoting gender equality.

]]>https://leadingladiesafrica.org/union-bank-empowers-40-female-entrepreneurs-through-enterprise-leadership-program/feed/014765Meet Sarah Ahmed, Founder, Warp + Wefthttps://leadingladiesafrica.org/meet-sarah-ahmed-founder-warp-weft/
https://leadingladiesafrica.org/meet-sarah-ahmed-founder-warp-weft/#respondThu, 12 Sep 2019 08:00:45 +0000http://leadingladiesafrica.org/?p=14610For Sarah Ahmed, the business of denim is her business! Soft, affordable and beautiful, a pair of Warp + Weft jeans is a must-have for every woman. Founder of Warp + Weft, Sarah Ahmed combined this innovative fabric with the sustainable practices she picked up from her family’s luxury denim brand, DL1961, and now Warp + Weft is being […]

For Sarah Ahmed, the business of denim is her business! Soft, affordable and beautiful, a pair of Warp + Weft jeans is a must-have for every woman.

Founder of Warp + Weft, Sarah Ahmed combined this innovative fabric with the sustainable practices she picked up from her family’s luxury denim brand, DL1961, and now Warp + Weft is being snatched up by women and men across the globe.

Talking about how she started, Sarah says, “Denim has been in my blood since I was born. All around me was indigo. I think our blood color is indigo. For me, seeing the ecosystems around me of creation – creating products and creating it in a mindful way had a huge impact on me. I wanted to be part of the community, and I wanted to support it. It’s really something very special, and I wanted to take the manufacturing mind-set and create a consumer-facing brand that is very transparent about its practices.”

“I was so ready and itching. I was sick of the lack of inclusivity, and the market was very untapped in the $100 space. You used to go to department stores and clearly see who the favorite customer was, and that favorite customer is not the majority. Creating a brand for the masses that feels fresh and modern, and is sustainable, is really something I was itching to do. It had to be done; the space had to be disrupted—no one has done it for denim before.”

Wondering how a typical day looks like for Sarah Ahmed, “I wake up at 5:30 AM every day. These days I’m learning how to speak Mandarin, so I try to do that in the morning to wake up my brain. Then, to be honest, a few years ago I was always so stressed out, and instead of getting on the train of drinking this tea or doing that meditation, I just lived. I [decided] not to put so much pressure on myself, and that helps my day a lot. [After practicing Mandarin,] I do emails. I like to do work before everyone gets in the office. Then I go to the office. I usually have morning meetings with outside people trying to do collaborations and business-development meetings. Then the latter part of the day I spend on creative and in-house stuff. I’m done at five.”

What lessons can we learn from Sarah Ahmed?

Being an entrepreneur is hard work and it’s not a gateway to have more sleep or for you to relax.

You can still disrupt an existing market, the key is to discover the aspect(s) that are yet to be tapped.

]]>https://leadingladiesafrica.org/meet-sarah-ahmed-founder-warp-weft/feed/0146104 Perfect Ways to Improve Your Memoryhttps://leadingladiesafrica.org/4-perfect-ways-to-improve-your-memory/
https://leadingladiesafrica.org/4-perfect-ways-to-improve-your-memory/#respondWed, 11 Sep 2019 08:00:42 +0000http://leadingladiesafrica.org/?p=14624We all want that sharp memory that grasps the tiniest bit of information; from remembering people’s names to recognizing people’s faces after meeting them once, memory plays a major role in our career, businesses, networking and virtually everything we do. How then can we boost this memory? Read on: Sleep. Yes, we know the saying […]

We all want that sharp memory that grasps the tiniest bit of information; from remembering people’s names to recognizing people’s faces after meeting them once, memory plays a major role in our career, businesses, networking and virtually everything we do. How then can we boost this memory? Read on:

Sleep.

Yes, we know the saying “those who sleep too much will be poor”, but trust us, you need to sleep. The best and easiest way to strengthen your neurons—the connectors in your brain—is to get in more sleep. With the level of stress you go through in this part of the world, you need more sleep to get you relaxed and your brain prepared for the coming tasks.

Use it!!

Don’t be mentally lazy. Exercising your mind is the best way to keep it sharp. If you don’t use it, you lose it. Get into beading or crafting, read, or get some other mind-challenging hobby.

Feed it!

Your brain needs food just as much as the rest of your organs. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants that keep the brain from getting inflamed, and leafy greens are packed full of vitamin C and other phytonutrients that help keep memory loss at bay. Omega-3 and DHA-rich fish oils can also help your brain grow new neurons.

Meditate.

Take a few minutes to sit still and focus. We’re bombarded with so many stimulants that it’s hard to spotlight one thought. Daily exercises and controlled breathing will help you concentrate on one thing and one thing only.

]]>https://leadingladiesafrica.org/4-perfect-ways-to-improve-your-memory/feed/014624Did Winnie Mandela Really Multiply? Being a Woman in Corporate South Africahttps://leadingladiesafrica.org/did-winnie-mandela-really-multiply/
https://leadingladiesafrica.org/did-winnie-mandela-really-multiply/#respondTue, 10 Sep 2019 11:45:19 +0000http://leadingladiesafrica.org/?p=14718Being a woman in corporate South Africa in 2019. I have been reflecting on my over a decade long career in communications in corporate South Africa this past woman’s month. I have found myself meditating on my role as a black woman operating in a predominately white corporate South Africa. The death of Winnie Madikizela […]

I have been reflecting on my over a decade long career in communications
in corporate South Africa this past woman’s month. I have found myself meditating
on my role as a black woman operating in a predominately white corporate South
Africa. The death of Winnie Madikizela
Mandela has been particularly triggering for me over the past year, because it has
felt as though her death has been reduced to a spectacle coupled with catchy
hashtags like #IamWinnieMandela #SheDidNotDie SheMultiplied that offer no
tangible solution to my immediate struggles as a black woman. I find myself
questioning whether she really did multiply and whether I am really a
representation of such an awe-inspiring and equally intimidating force that is
the Mother of the Nation. Do I have the resilience, fortitude or even the
mental agility to continue the fight for a seat at the table like she did
during and even after the apartheid era?

As I ponder on the space I occupy, I wonder if Woman’s Day is not simply a mechanism used to pacify the rights of South African women. Judging by the countless spa vouchers, sponsored women conferences and red roses spread in many workstations across the country one could conclude that Woman’s Day and Mother’s Day no longer share an unambiguous differentiation. The two have become one. It could be argued that Woman’s Day is PR fluff with no material consequences for the ones it represents that remain oppressed.

Has the fight for woman’s rights become commercialized? Are we more
concerned with optics than the real work of pursuing real change in our spheres
of influence? Surely, there is more to
feminist culture than wearing colourfully printed Ankara head wraps and white t-shirts
with marketable slogans? What about diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
Shouldn’t we as women present a united front in the face of all our enemies,
instead we fight our battles in our private corners. I have come to the
realization that we are afraid to speak up, circumventing any possibilities of real
impactful change. Our voices are fragmented at times because we want to go at
it alone negating the power we have in each other. Other times we lie to
ourselves saying we are fighting the cause when in actuality we are promoting
patriarchy.

Women want space where their voices can be heard. We want to be supported, respected and seen as equals to our male counterparts in and outside the boardroom. As I reflect on my contribution to corporate culture as a woman, I question my labour in this regard. Am I really an advocate for my peers? Do I speak up for the unrepresented, abused and overlooked? Am I living the values demonstrated by Winnie Mandela? In those moments when I am in meetings mum has she multiplied through me? Am I asking the hard questions, or have I become too busy doing my job or offering lip service that I abandoned the ideals she fought so hard for?

How can we ever achieve the success of the women of 1956? How do we
realize the efforts of activist and writer Professor Fatima Meer, apartheid
activist Helen Suzman, the Mother of the Black Resistance Lilian Ngoyi and the 20 000
women who walked to Pretoria’s Union Buildings on 9 August? Women from
different races and class status all standing for a common cause in one of
history’s largest demonstrations.

Yes, more and more corporates are inviting us to take up a seat to the table. There is a surge of visibility of women in top corporate positions thanks to policy and practices that are intent on advancing our inclusion, however, there is a huge disparity between lived experience and what the policymakers are claiming as diversity.

Even so, how do we elevate the discussion beyond talk shops? How do we become influencers able to drive change within corporate? How do we move from observers to game-changers? How do we shift the discussion along from passive dialogues and luncheons to aggressive implementation strategies that are not just seen but heard?

Solidarity is the answer. Active citizenship is the first step, not based on race or empty slogans but rather a focus on building networks of proficient, adept women willing to be counted. Men should be our allies ready to go to the frontlines to fight the injustices we face on a daily basis. We need to provide supportive workspaces in order for us to grow and excel in our areas of expertise. It is also important that we become stewards ready to lay down our own interests and put the needs of others before our own. I believe this is how we can advance the interest of all women. Let’s start the dialogue. Speak out when we see poor behavior from those in power, interrogate own biased and be open to constructive criticism. Business practices that do not advance women’s interest should be questioned and ultimately eradicated. We all have the power to make a change within our own scope of influence.

“We have a shared destiny, a shared responsibility
to save the world from those who attempt to destroy it.” Winnie
Madikizela-Mandela

Andiswa Mosetlhi is a communications manager with over 10 years’ experience in communications and public relations, she also has built, managed and promoted brands for multinational corporations and government-owned agencies.

Mariam Sule is a Writer, a serial entrepreneur, and aspiring teacher. Her fiction and non-fiction have appeared in the Ake Review, Brittle Paper, Ebedi Review, Arts and Africa, ITCH Creative Journal and Litro Magazine UK. She was a Writer-in-Residence at the Ebedi International Writers Residency. She writes monthly articles for ArtxJuJu, a brand committed to challenging the demonization of African culture, which she also co-founded. She is a beneficiary of the Tony Elemelu Entrepreneurship Programme 2019.

Mariam shares with LLA how she has managed to run Nigeria’s first all-African online bookstore- TheBookDealerNG so far.

Can you briefly describe yourself and your business?

My name is Mariam Sule-Izuagbe. I am a writer with work in the Ake Review, Arts and Africa, ITCH Creative Journal, Litro Mag UK and a few others. I started TheBookDealerNg in October 2016. I had always loved books but it was hard finding the kind of books I liked to read. In early 2016, I was a writer in residence at the Ebedi International Writers Residency, there we were to mentor secondary school students as part of the program.

It was there I realized the opportunity available in the inaccessibility of books. I saved up, started contacting publishing houses and TheBookDealerNg was born. Aside from the bookstore, I am a Co-Founder of ArtxJuJu, a brand committed to challenging the demonization of the African culture by incorporating artifacts with everyday fashion.

What is it like being a female entrepreneur, and why did you choose to be one?

Initially, I did not think of myself as an entrepreneur. I wanted to be a medical doctor, then a psychologist but I never really thought about entrepreneurship as an option until 2016. I don’t think I choose it either. It happened and I went along with it.

What new innovation have you introduced to your business?

TheBookDealerNg
is Nigeria’s first all-African online bookstore. On our website, you have
access to ordering a wide range of books, reading book
reviews, exclusive author interviews as well as finding opportunities for the
freelance writer and news updates within the African Literary scene.

What will you say is responsible for your success so far?

Hard work.

In
your opinion, would you say that there are any unique challenges that female
entrepreneurs face?

Personally, I have not encountered any particularly unpleasant event except the fact, I am mostly referred to as a ’Sir’ before any further clarifications. This comes from the default mindset that only men can be business owners, which everybody knows is NOT true. This can be corrected by telling more diverse stories about women, something Leading Ladies Africa is doing great at. Kudos

What values and principles have helped you so far?

Honestly, it has to be taking care of my mental health. Sleep when necessary, eat breakfast, personal affirmations. These help me with my mental health. I can’t work efficiently if my mental health is unstable so I am very particular about these. I also keep a lot of records for accountability purposes.

Why did you decide to go into this particular line of business?

Easy! Because I love books. Books have always been my companion and I wanted to share the love and happiness books give me with others.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, and what’s kept you going?

Slow business days, when sales aren’t coming in. What keeps me going is that I know that money works in a cycle. It comes and it goes. I try to think of better, more interesting ways to attract buyers and keep it moving. It is hard though, I must say.

What do upcoming female entrepreneurs need to do to be successful
in this path?

Find a community of women like yourself. Honestly, it is the most comforting thing knowing people are going through the same things as you are. They could also share opportunities with you and give advice that you would have never gotten otherwise.

The LLA Lady Boss Series is a weekly
interview series that highlights the achievements and entrepreneurial journeys
of African female entrepreneurs. The idea is to showcase the Leading Ladies who
are transforming Africa and the African narrative through enterprise and
business.

It is an off-shoot of Leading Ladies Africa,
a non-profit that promotes leadership, inclusion and diversity for women
of African descent.

If you know any kick-ass women of African
Descent doing phenomenal things in enterprise, email lead@leadingladiesafrica.org, and she
could possibly be featured.

]]>https://leadingladiesafrica.org/thebookdealerng-is-nigerias-first-all-african-online-bookstore-lla-meets-mariam-sule-izuagbe-founder-thebookdealerng/feed/014653“When you truly know yourself, it doesn’t matter what you’re called. You will answer only to your name! #LLA Meets Charlotte Osei, UN International Elections Commissioner, Ghanaian Lawyer and Former Chairperson, Ghana Electoral Commissionhttps://leadingladiesafrica.org/when-you-truly-know-yourself-it-doesnt-matter-what-youre-called-you-will-answer-only-to-your-name-lla-meets-charlotte-osei-un-international-elections-commissioner-and-former-ch/
https://leadingladiesafrica.org/when-you-truly-know-yourself-it-doesnt-matter-what-youre-called-you-will-answer-only-to-your-name-lla-meets-charlotte-osei-un-international-elections-commissioner-and-former-ch/#respondSun, 08 Sep 2019 08:00:29 +0000http://leadingladiesafrica.org/?p=14693From running an all-female legal firm to chairing electoral commissions of African countries, to running the ’Chat With Charlotte Series’ to mentoring young girls and women, Charlotte Osei is corporate goals and then some. Lean in to learn why we are pretty chuffed about her. It’s great to have you on LLA. How in your […]

From running an all-female legal firm to chairing electoral commissions of African countries, to running the ’Chat With Charlotte Series’ to mentoring young girls and women, Charlotte Osei is corporate goals and then some. Lean in to learn why we are pretty chuffed about her.

It’s great to have you on LLA. How in your own words would you introduce Charlotte Osei to the world?

I am first and foremost a child of God. That’s the root of my identity. I am a mother, a wife, a daughter, aunt, sister and friend to many.

I am very passionate about my Purpose and my work. I consider myself very driven, highly organized, a people-person, a natural leader or so I’ve been told. I am also a results-oriented and an excellent communicator.

Amazing! Can you share briefly on growing up and how you set out into the corporate world?

I spent my early years with my Mom and two siblings. I am my mother’s eldest child. My mother was widowed very early at age 28. So it was quite an experience watching her struggle with the challenges of widowhood and single parenting. She was an entrepreneur and housing officer for expatriate companies. She tried her hands at many things- owning a restaurant, farming, she was open to any honest endeavor. She spoke about nine languages and had a very global outlook. She was also a very kind and giving person.

In my teens, I moved to live with my dad, which was a larger family unit and very different. My father was a marine engineer who had worked in several West African countries. He was exceptionally generous and kind and our home was open to many friends and extended family members.

Both parents were very open to different cultures and my two homes always had a steady flow of people from all races and backgrounds.

My parents separated even before I was born but I am blessed with 13 incredible siblings in total and we all have a wonderful bond. Growing up, my parents emphasized the importance of getting a good education and the values of hard work, honesty, and integrity. My education and my values have sustained me through very tough times and of course, my faith in God as a Christian and the support of my family have been my pillars.

My entry into the corporate world was divinely orchestrated. My passion while studying law at the university was Gender and Human Rights and I did end up specializing in that area for my Masters in Law.

However, in my last month in law school, I was headhunted by a leading corporate law firm in Ghana to come and work with them. I started work in July of 1994, even before my final year law school examination results were released. And when it turned out that I was awarded the prizes for Company Law and Conveyancing & Drafting at the call to the Bar, I seemed a perfect fit for the Firm. And that’s how I stayed on at the firm after my call and took the path of Corporate law.

I worked as a lawyer in banking, and moved into regulatory and corporate compliance and then set up my law firm specializing in Business law, before my journey into the public sector.

Becoming the First female chair of the National Commission for Civic Education and Ghana Electoral Commission are notable milestones on your professional journey. What was the experience like occupying such positions of power and what did it teach you?

I feel incredibly honored and privileged to have held two very important public offices in my country. Service to one’s country is always an honor. And to be the first female in both positions, presented very exciting opportunities and platforms for me. However, being a ‘first female’ always comes with peculiar challenges, and particularly so in very high profile national positions. You do not have a direct example to follow and you carry the weight of being an example for other women; and the knowledge that your failings would be judged as the failings of all women.

For these reasons, the experience for me was wonderful and challenging. I had to manage a large number of staff (2000 heads at a point). You deal with people who have a problem reporting to you because you’re a woman or taking instructions from you because you’re considered too young.

My approach was to build up my capacity and technical knowledge very quickly, keep an open door to all staff, and an open mind and simply ignore a lot of slights. Pettiness kills purpose and so I consciously made no time for pettiness. I prayed a lot and did the job at hand to the best of my ability. I also learned the value of surrounding yourself with good people. To succeed, you need smart, committed people who know more than you do. To always be the smartest person in the room, is a recipe for failure.

I am incredibly proud of the fact that I promised my country ‘world-class elections’ in 2016. It was a lot of work. It took a lot of personal sacrifices. And by the grace of God, my team and I delivered world-class elections that were lauded nationally and internationally.

Those experiences taught me a lot. The value of teamwork and humility, the need to seek support when you need it and that when God calls you to perform a task, He does equip you. You just need to trust God and surround yourself with good people.

You were recently appointed by the United Nations as an international electoral commissioner to the Afghanistan ECC. Can you share briefly on events that led up to this appointment and what your current role entails?

I got a call from a high ranking UN official about the opportunity. They had done their homework and the four international commissioners were very carefully selected. I discussed it with my family and we felt it would be an interesting opportunity and so I accepted the offer. The UN submitted my name to the Afghan President and His Excellency, the President approved and the Presidential decree was issued formalizing the appointment.

My job basically involves providing support and guidance to the ECC commissioners in their work. Afghanistan is a beautiful country and the people are incredibly warm and kind. I consider my assignment here as a great honour and privilege. Unfortunately, because of legal and security restrictions, I am unable to comment in more detail about the work.

Digressing a bit, would you say life prepared you or shaped you significantly into the woman you are now?

Life prepares and shapes all of us into the persons we become and so that statement would be true. Like I mentioned earlier, my mother was widowed early and had to single parent three children. I would say that singular event in my childhood shaped me in a lot of ways.

I watched her many successes and many struggles trying to provide the best education and opportunities for her children. And even within her struggles, I watched her give back to the less privileged. We spent almost every new year’s day at an orphanage. We had to take food and toys and books to the children and spend time playing with them and taking care of the babies. So at a very early age, the need to support others and give back to society was ingrained in me.

As a woman, it made me strive to be economically independent and to constantly build on my capacity. It gave me a life long hunger for learning and self-improvement. I’m always engarde, preparing for life’s curves and challenges. It also taught me absolute dependence on God. I know for a fact that God never fails His children. I have survived enough valleys and mountains to know that for sure.

My early life also made me very conscious and aware of the struggles of women and the need to reach out and support women. And so my ethos is that for every step up the ladder you climb, you have a greater obligation to open doors for others and help them to also climb and improve their situation.

Let’s talk about the challenges that came with being the First Female Chair of the Ghanaian Electoral Commission. What would you consider your greatest anchor and how were you able to navigate that phase without necessarily allowing those experiences make you become a different person?

My greatest anchors really were my faith and my family. They never changed and they never failed me. I had incredible support from my family (which includes people who are not necessarily related to me by blood).

My biggest challenge was dealing with lies, constantly being misrepresented in the public domain and betrayal. However, I came to understand that these challenges come with the terrain. It was important to me that I did not take these attacks personally and I did not allow these issues to turn me into a bitter or unhappy person.

I am generally a happy person and I am glad that throughout the tumultuous times, I never lost my joy or my peace of mind and I never became bitter. I looked at it as a critical experience with a lot of lessons to be learned. Today, I am very grateful for the tough times. I learned a lot and it made me into a stronger person.

What’s your advice to women who are going through phases like this in business/career and life generally?

It is really important that you build upon your capacity. When you get a major opportunity in your career, it’s important that you self- reflect and ask yourself what skills you need for the new position. Arm yourself with the skills and capacities you need. This will give you the confidence to deliver.

Also, it is important to treat everyone you meet with respect, grace, and humility. Many, many times, I have received extremely important advice, wisdom, guidance or information from the ”small people”. You are never too big to learn and no one is too small to teach you.

Finally, have a strong support group. Your personal tribe- who know you, who are honest with you, and who are capable of pointing out your failings and celebrating your successes with you. You will need them.

Having spent over two decades in the corporate space and taken up several leadership positions, what in your own opinion would you say is hindering the much-needed inclusion of women in leadership positions within the corporate sector?

Patriarchy. There is still a strong sense in some quarters that women do not belong in certain spaces. When I was appointed to head Ghana’s electoral commission, some people were very vocal with the sentiment that it was not a job for a woman. There were also others who felt that as a commission chair, I must do whatever men were advocating, whether it was legal or not, whether it was the right thing to do or not. It all came down to their traditional expectations of women. Whenever you did not conform to their expectations, you were labelled negatively.

Women also need to fight patriarchy and society’s limitations with capacity, courage and confidence. Build your capacity. Keep learning. Have the courage to take on new opportunities and challenges. Also, be confident. Ignore the naysayers and just keep your focus. Never get distracted by name calling.

In what specific ways would you advise women to lean in at work?

Capacity, courage and confidence. Come to the table prepared. Women also need to learn not to be intimidated and expect to be called all sorts of names. But when you truly know yourself, it doesn’t matter what you’re called. You will answer only to your name.

Can you share some of the work you have done for African girls/women?

I mentor a lot of women and girls across Africa. I believe in women supporting and encouraging each other. Fourteen years ago, I founded The Butterfly Club, a support group for women who met every month to discuss issues affecting women and how to generally improve our lives and our businesses.

This year, I started the‘Chat With Charlotte’ Series (@chatwcharlotte) which supports young people in navigating through life, entrepreneurial challenges and promoting professional advancement. I lend my voice and support to several women’s groups (church groups, CSOs, government agencies and private sector initiatives). For instance, I support the African Science Academy (a science academy for African girls based in Ghana) with the Charlotte Osei award for Leadership, to encourage young ladies to take on the mantle of leadership on the African continent.

I also actively mentor and support female law students with internships at my law firm (which by the way, is an all female law firm).

What in your opinion are key success principles for upcoming career women, or those just starting out their careers?

They need to take a long term view of their career and be strategic and intentional about career planning. Career development is a marathon and not a sprint. Remuneration should not be the major factor in decision making. You need to be strategic about job opportunities you pursue, be very intentional about learning and building your capacity. I try to enroll in courses and learn a new skill every year. And you must practice excellence in all you do.

Let’s talk about mentorship- do you think it is important? How so?

I think mentorship is always important but it does not necessarily need to be one-on-one. I get a lot of mentoring requests and the expectation is face time with the mentor and handholding. It is almost a practical impossibility.

There is a lot of knowledge out there and people need to be hungry to learn. There is so much you can learn from the lives of other people from reading their books and their life experiences.

Young women, in particular, should not limit themselves to being mentored by just women. I have received critical and life changing career advice from men.

Have you had women who have made your journey in life significantly easier? Care to share some of these women with us?

I have been blessed through the years with several women who gave me quiet support and encouragement. My grade one teacher was amazing. In secondary school my literature teacher was a fantastic mentor. I had lecturers at the university who also supported my growth.

In my personal and professional life, I have a loyal tribe of sisters and friends who have been constant anchors in my life for decades. Because of all of them, I have weathered many storms and I am where I am today. It would be unfair to mention a few because I have been supported and raised by so many.

What counts as fun for Charlotte Osei?

Gardening.

Music.

Reading.

Spending time at home with loved ones and at the beach. I don’t really like parties and I don’t like crowds.

What would you like to be remembered for?

That I died empty- I used all my God given talents and abilities for the purposes they were given to me. That I fulfilled God’s purpose for my life. That I made a positive impact on my family and my generation.

About Charlotte Osei

Charlotte Osei is a lawyer with 25 years experience in the public and private sectors. She holds a Master of Laws degree (LLM) from Queen’s University, Ontario Canada and a Masters in Business Leadership (MBL) from the University of South Africa, Pretoria. Ms. Osei has previously served as Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission and Chairperson of Ghana’s National Commission for Civic Education. She was also the Vice Chairperson of the Executive Board of the African Capacity Building Foundation in Zimbabwe and a former President of the African Association of Election Authorities.

In 2017, Charlotte was one of the three finalists for the internationally renowned Chatham House Award for her leadership and transparency of Ghana’s 2016 elections. She was also awarded the Woman of Courage Award (2017) by the US Government.

More recently, Charlotte led the ECOWAS fact finding mission to Sierra Leone ahead of that country’s 2017 elections and was deputy head of the ECOWAS fact finding mission to Nigeria ahead of the 2019 elections. She also served as Technical Expert (Legal) to the ECOWAS Long Term Observer Mission to the Nigerian 2019 general elections. Charlotte holds many academic awards and distinctions and is a published writer.

The Leading Ladies Africa Series is a weekly interview series that focuses on women of African descent, showcases their experiences across all socio-economic sectors, highlights their personal and professional achievements and offers useful advice on how to make life more satisfying for women.It is an off-shoot of Leading Ladies Africa; an initiative that seeks to effectively mentor and inspire women, with particular emphasis on the African continent.

Do you know any woman of African descent doing phenomenal things? Send an email to lead@leadingladiesafrica.org and we just might feature her.

]]>https://leadingladiesafrica.org/when-you-truly-know-yourself-it-doesnt-matter-what-youre-called-you-will-answer-only-to-your-name-lla-meets-charlotte-osei-un-international-elections-commissioner-and-former-ch/feed/01469311 Business Lessons We Can Learn From Tricia Ikponmwombahttps://leadingladiesafrica.org/11-business-lessons-we-can-learn-from-tricia-ikponmwomba/
https://leadingladiesafrica.org/11-business-lessons-we-can-learn-from-tricia-ikponmwomba/#respondSat, 07 Sep 2019 08:00:27 +0000http://leadingladiesafrica.org/?p=14630Popularly known as Tricia Biz, Tricia Ikponmwomba is a Small Business Fixer who is fixing small businesses one business at a time. Born-and-raised in Lagos and ancestral Bini roots, Tricia spent over a decade working for multinationals including British American Tobacco, Nigerian Breweries, MasterCard and so on. Tricia launched TriciaBiz in April 2017 to focus on […]

Popularly known as Tricia Biz, Tricia Ikponmwomba is a Small Business Fixer who is fixing small businesses one business at a time. Born-and-raised in Lagos and ancestral Bini roots, Tricia spent over a decade working for multinationals including British American Tobacco, Nigerian Breweries, MasterCard and so on.

Tricia launched TriciaBiz in April 2017 to focus on boosting the competitiveness of small businesses and she does this through a range of business services including one-on-one coaching, online courses, trainings, and keynote speeches.

Tricia holds certifications in Public Relations, Integrated Marketing Communications, Marketing, Brand Building, Social Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. She is a certified member of the Association of Accredited Small Business consultants. She recently launched “Business Lab Africa”, an online school for entrepreneurs in Africa. The Business Lab provides African entrepreneurs with practical knowledge for business growth.

So what can we learn from this business guru?

Take your time, do not rush into decisions because they seem easy or are popular. The road less walked is the one you should take.

Keep adding value, as long as you are adding value to someone else, revenue is guaranteed.

Consistency is key.

Strategic partnerships are absolutely key.

Understanding market needs and proffering solutions that are timely is key.

Just be you, people can smell a fake after a while.

Staying true to my course.

Putting in the hard work, working long hours to build the foundation.

Being consistent with my content and message.

Creating alternative but innovative solutions to continually help entrepreneurs even in the face of obstacles.

]]>https://leadingladiesafrica.org/11-business-lessons-we-can-learn-from-tricia-ikponmwomba/feed/014630#FoodieFriday: Who doesn’t love Nike Majekodunmi of Nuts about Cakes?https://leadingladiesafrica.org/foodiefriday-who-doesnt-love-nike-majekodunmi-of-nuts-about-cakes/
https://leadingladiesafrica.org/foodiefriday-who-doesnt-love-nike-majekodunmi-of-nuts-about-cakes/#respondFri, 06 Sep 2019 08:00:59 +0000http://leadingladiesafrica.org/?p=14636If you ever go nuts about sweet-smelling and savory delicacies, then Nuts About Cakes, the baking emporium founded by Nike Majekodunmi, is your best bet! Like many mumpreneurs, Nike’s business was borne out of doing something she loved and finding out that she was good enough at it for people to pay for the end-product: […]

If you ever go nuts about sweet-smelling and savory delicacies, then Nuts About Cakes, the baking emporium founded by Nike Majekodunmi, is your best bet!

Like many mumpreneurs, Nike’s business was borne out of doing something she loved and finding out that she was good enough at it for people to pay for the end-product:

“I started baking because I was passionate about it. However, I got into the business of baking totally unintentionally. It all started with a few cookie recipes that I found online and started trying out in the kitchen of my parents’ house. It became a weekend pastime to bake cookies for the family and to always have snacks available for visitors. As my recipes improved and I got more confident with what I was producing, I became a Martha Stewart and started gifting it to friends while visiting them.”

The business aspect came by pure accident when I was offered money at a friend’s home gathering to make cookies for the kids. I had absolutely no idea about cost or pricing, but decided to take the offer….and a business was born.

When Nike started, the baking business wasn’t as glamorous as this, but Nike has not just managed to remain in the business, she has also done so well for herself.

“The quest for innovation and growth has led to more interest and investment…For the baking industry in particular, it became glamorous…Following the influx of popular baking shows such as the ‘Cake Boss’ and ‘Great British Bake off’, the industry was revolutionized. People started pushing the boundaries with creativity or forging niches for differentiation. It suddenly became “cool” to be a baker.”

“The food and drinks industry over the past 10 years or so has seen a remarkable growth, dare I say shift.I have found that the Nigerian consumer is very accommodating, accepting and forgiving. Nowhere else do I think I would have had the courage or the audacity to venture into business. I feel that Nigeria right now is screaming for entrepreneurs.”

You might be wondering how Nike manages to create that work-life balance, here’s what she has to say:

“I have come to believe that the work-life balance is not always constant. Sometimes there is work…a lot of work, usually when we are going through a growth or expansion phase, and sometimes there is good living, when I get to go away for holidays with my family.

However, she also adds that her current success “could not have been possible without my team at the office…I am able to delegate work to functional heads of departments and be confident that the business can run without my [constant] day to day involvement.”

Nuta About Cakes is not stopping anytime soon and the good news is that they are expanding beyond Nigeria. “Our vision at Nuts About Cakes is to be a platform for creating jobs across Africa. We will, therefore, continue to do what we do best. Which is creating great tastes that provide memorable moments and experiences. By continuing to grow across the continent we hope to impact change in the lives of many.”

Nike, who is a mother to 3 amazing children is an inspiration to women both in Nigeria and across Africa to harness their talents in creating enduring value and that is exactly why she is our leading lady today.